Audio By Carbonatix
Iran says it is closing the Strait of Hormuz again to commercial vessels and that any ship that approaches it will be targeted.
The closure came as reports emerged of vessels in or near the strait, including a tanker, were targeted by Tehran on Saturday.
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) blamed a continuing US blockade for its decision, which comes a day after Iran's foreign minister announced the key global shipping channel had been temporarily reopened.
US President Donald Trump said Iran cannot "blackmail" the US with threats regarding the waterway, which Tehran has effectively blocked for nearly two months - causing global energy prices to soar.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy warned in a statement on Saturday that "no vessel is to move from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman".
It said a number of vessels had passed through the strait under its management since Friday night, but that it would shut again until the US stopped its blockade of Iranian ports.
"Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered co-operation with the enemy, and the offending vessel will be targeted," the IRGC added.
Trump said on Friday that a naval blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a peace deal was agreed between the two countries. A two-week ceasefire currently in effect is due to expire on 22 April.
The US said it had turned away 23 ships since it began enforcing the blockade on 13 April.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said this was a violation of the ceasefire agreement and that it would stop the reopening of the strait while it was still in place.
On negotiations to bring about an end to the war, the SNSC said new proposals had been put forward by the US, which Tehran was "currently reviewing and has not yet responded to". Peace talks held earlier this month ended without an agreement.
"We have very good conversations going on. It's working out very well," Trump said about the state of negotiations with Tehran on Saturday.

There have been several reports of vessels being attacked by Iran on Saturday.
Two Iranian gunboats opened fire on a tanker in the strait, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.
A container ship was also hit by "an unknown projectile" off the north-eastern coast of Oman, damaging some containers, according to the UKMTO.
Separately, at least two merchant vessels said they were hit by gunfire as they attempted to cross the strait, sources told news agency Reuters.
India's foreign ministry said it had summoned the Iranian ambassador to convey its "deep concern at the shooting incident earlier today involving two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz".
Data from tracking site MarineTraffic showed some vessels were able to make it through the strait while it was briefly open. Others were forced to change their route after the IRGC denied them access.
About 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is usually transported through the strait, but the number of ships making the journey has dramatically decreased during the recent conflict, which began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February.
The narrow chokepoint connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is the only way to reach several oil-producing states by sea. The crisis has seen the price of a barrel of oil surge above $100 ($74) at points.
Iran has previously threatened to attack tankers and other ships, as well as warning it had laid mines.
Latest Stories
-
Gold edges lower with focus on Fed minutes, rate path clues
42 minutes -
Oil prices rise as storms and air strikes threaten supply
51 minutes -
Nigeria nears 2,000 repatriations from South Africa after latest evacuation flight
60 minutes -
World Bank maintains Ghana’s growth rate forecast at 4.8% in 2026
2 hours -
Cedi was worst African currency in quarter 2, 2026 – World Bank
2 hours -
AI gains can lift three times as many people out of poverty in Ghana – World Bank
3 hours -
Scammers target ECG customers with fake meter sales and MoMo payment calls
4 hours -
We did not take security issues seriously – Abanga Fusani reflects on NPP’s 2024 election loss
4 hours -
Nigeria’s Dangote refinery aims to draw more retail investors than Aramco IPO, CEO says
5 hours -
Banker in court for allegedly stealing GH¢1 million
5 hours -
Police arrest suspect over jewellery theft during fire outbreak
5 hours -
EOCO returns Hanan’s £6,700, GH¢2,750 and devices after defence challenge
5 hours -
Opplift Youth Entrepreneurs Summit 2026 equips entrepreneurs with skills, mentorship and support
5 hours -
Rival clubs want range of punishments for Man City
6 hours -
Tear gas in Paris and Marseille as school protests grow across France
6 hours